Editors’ Translation

Philadelphia 18 October 1809.

Dear Sir:

You have written me a delightful letter. The approval of my little paper by a sage, a philanthropist, and a true philosopher like the great Jefferson strokes my sensibility, so that it seems like that of a peacock.

I send the same pamphlet to you again significantly improved although worked on for only a few hours. You knew that I did not say all that I could: I confess to a philosopher that I do not dare to explain myself as I would have if I had written in the world of liberty that is as yet unknown. Yes, it is not even known in the Americas: so many wise men are quiet because many journalists and a lot of their readers have their heads face down. I was tempted to give a lecture; but I cannot waste a minute from dismantling my household, putting my papers in order, and organizing my affairs because I leave in 10 days on the frigate that brought the minister plenipotentiary, Caballero Onis.

If you honor me with two lines in response, send the letter to Don Thomas Stoughton, the Spanish consul in New York, who will make sure I get it.

I hope to make useful to my government what you tell me about the Miranda matter, and even though it is an insult to the great Jefferson to say that I believe his story, hoping for his tolerance I say that I believe it to be truthful, certainly because Jefferson says so.

I have endeavored to translate the thoughts contained in your letter so that they will not lose their beauty when they are translated into Spanish.

I have written with vigor a few times to this government, but I have always respected you, I have never put anything into the public papers: never have I schemed, spoken to any member of Congress to incite a riot, nor sown discord, and I have always praised you and Mr. Madison. Not all have been so virtuous: but I knew that my Court wanted harmony and friendship with these states.

I am running out of ink for my pen as I beg you to direct me, with total freedom under all circumstances, with the confidence that I take particular pleasure in employing myself in activities agreeable to the great Jefferson for whom I ask God to preserve your life for many years.

I kiss your hand your most attentive servant

Valentín de Foronda

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Oct. 1809 and so recorded in SJL. Translation by Dr. Jennifer McCune.

el mismo folleto: no second edition has been found of Foronda’s pamphlet proposing a new Spanish constitution, for which see Foronda to TJ, 26 Aug. 1809. Possibly the copy Foronda enclosed here contained handwritten revisions.

More between these correspondents

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